March 2: To encourage public discourse about architecture, urban design and city planning, the Los Angeles chapter of the American Institute of Architects has coordinated a series of discussions with Los Angeles mayoral candidates. Moderated by Los Angeles City Planning Commission President Bill Roschen and Los Angeles Times Architecture Critic Christopher Hawthorne, the forums are meant to help the public learn more about each candidate's vision for the future. This week: Kevin James. 7 to 9 p.m. Free. Ronald F. Deaton Civic Auditorium, Los Angeles Police Department Administration Building, 100 W. 1st St., Los Angeles. Reservations required: www.aialosangeles.org.

Midcentury design: “California Design, 1930-1965: Living in a Modern Way” features more than 300 objects including furniture, ceramics, metalwork, fashion and graphic design. Ends June 3. Regularly $10 to $15. Free admission to residents of L.A. County after 5 p.m. some evenings. Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 857-6010.